My Name is Claire Watson, and I am a sole-trader working towards growing my business BlueKittyCreations to a point where I can live to create.

At the moment, I’m working on my artwork and jewellery in what little spare time I can find, and the shift to becoming fully self-employed can only happen if I can afford to do it. To make this happen, I need to grow and expand my reach and opportunities.

About MeI am a self-taught silversmith and artist in Scotland, drawing inspiration from Scottish and Viking history and culture to create my jewellery.

I’ve always been artistic, but my interest in jewellery really took off when I met a Viking re-enactor who showed me a few jewellery techniques and other crafts from the Viking era. With that spark, I was inspired to learn more, try more, and make more!

There is one constant thing in my life: my art. It’s the only thing that has stuck with me. I can’t imagine life without being able to create, and I love making things that put a smile on people’s faces.

A couple years ago, I started selling my jewellery online and in a few local shops. My little business has slowly been growing as I’ve been learning. – but its time for a boost if I’m going to make any more growth and reach a point where I can support myself with my work.

My Project Idea: Creative Nomad

I’ve decided the way to infuse new life into my business and create new opportunities is to make a mobile workshop.

I’ve been gathering a range of equipment from re-enactment appropriate anvils and tools to more modern accessories, which are too many and too heavy to carry around.

Not only would this give me a proper work space to silversmith and craft in, it would also mean I can take all my tools and equipment with me to a wider range of markets, festivals, and shows; working on the move and being able to demonstrate my craft to the public.

The Goal

I’m saving up and selling off what I can to help fund this project, but I need help… Not including insurance, tax, or running costs…..

The benefits of my mobile workshop

– I can work on, create, and repair jewellery on the day– I can demonstrate my techniques to the public– I can attend more festivals, markets and outdoor fairs, Viking shows– With reasonable living accommodation in the van, I can travel farther across the country (and save money on rent & utilities)– With smaller living costs, I will be closer to achieving the dream being full-time creative!

I am hoping to have this project completed before the end of the summer, in time to make some of the later festivals, so this leaves the rest of the winter/early spring to build up the funding and to find the perfect van for the project.